Assistant Professor - Public Relations

University of South Florida; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications at the University of South Florida invites applications for two Assistant Professors in Public Relations, a nine-month, full-time, tenure-earning position with a start date of August 7, 2027. Salary is negotiable.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in Mass Communications or a related field, be prepared to teach undergraduate IPRA and MS track courses, and develop a strong research agenda in public relations.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mass Communications or related field required; ABD ok if degree completed by Aug 7, 2027.
• Qualified to teach public relations in IPRA undergrad and in Strategic Communication Management track in MS program.
• Must have commitment to classroom excellence, a defined research agenda, and prior PR teaching experience.

Skills

Public relations

Teaching experience

Research planning

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Mass Communications

ABD considered

Job description

Job Description

The Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications at the University of South Florida invites applications for two (2) Assistant Professors in Public Relations, a nine-month, full-time, tenure-earning position with a start date of August 7, 2027. Salary is negotiable.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Mass Communications or a related field from an accredited institution. ABD candidates will be considered, but the degree must be completed prior to the appointment start date of August 7, 2027. Candidates must be qualified to teach public relations courses in the undergraduate Integrated Public Relations and Advertising (IPRA) program and in the Strategic Communication Management track of the Mass Communications master’s program. The successful candidate must have a commitment to excellence in the classroom, a defined research agenda focused on any area of public relations, and prior experience teaching public relations courses. The successful candidate must also meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have experience teaching one or more of the following courses: public relations ethics and social responsibility, public relations data analytics, and/or social media strategy for public relations. In addition, the ideal candidate will have professional experience in the public relations industry to inform their teaching and scholarship.

Questions may be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Kelli Burns, at [e-mail].

The Zimmerman School, located in Florida's #1 media market, offers students transformational learning experiences in media and communication through distinctive curricula and hands‑on training with award‑winning scholars and professionals. Students direct a student‑run advertising and public relations agency that represents local and global clients, partner with local and national organizations to advance community initiatives, train in a state‑of‑the‑art virtual production studio, produce award‑winning broadcast news shows that air on the local PBS affiliate, and travel abroad to gain international experience through classes and internships. Our graduate students conduct research and develop professional projects to enhance expertise in their fields and prepare for continued graduate study and success in professional practice.

Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. For disability accommodations, contact Gina Lombardo at [e-mail], a minimum of five working days in advance.

The University of South Florida is a top‑ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all‑time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

About USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF’s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities.

Our first‑class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

• medical
• dental
• life insurance plans
• retirement plan options
• employee and dependent tuition programs
• generous leave
• hundreds of employee perks and discounts

Our graduate students conduct research and develop professional projects to enhance expertise in their fields and prepare for continued graduate study and success in professional practice.

Our graduate students conduct research and develop professional projects to enhance expertise in their fields and prepare for continued graduate study and success in professional practice.

Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. For disability accommodations, contact Gina Lombardo at [e-mail], a minimum of five working days in advance.

The University of South Florida is a top‑ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota‑Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all‑time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.